Ouagadougou: Visiting with Mogho Naba Baongo a “Monarch” that reigns supreme

It is Friday 6:00 am, one after another they arrive, taking position at the back yard of the royal court of Mogho Naba Baongo of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Among them are notables of the Palace, descendants of the royal lineage, ordinary people of the Mossi tribe, visitors and tourists.

They came to pay allegiance and receive blessing from the traditional ruler of the Mossi, the biggest tribe of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

It has become a tradition, even an obligation especially for the descendants of the royal lineage to connect with
their King early on Fridays before starting the day.

The people wait as the servants prepare the stage for the arrival of the Mogho.

The royal seat is set up and two servants squat in front of the throne.
When Mogho’ s arrival is announced by a gunshot, he emerges from the inner chambers and seats on the throne.

The notables all squat in the courtyard paying him allegiance.

Moments after, he retires into the Palace, ready to grant audiences.

It is this Friday morning ritual that attracts many tourists to the Palace of the Mossi people.

But behind the attachment to tradition is also the quest to meet the most influential traditional ruler in Ouagadougou.

BBC in an article, describes him as the ‘Mediator Monarch’ going by
the major role he played in restoring calm during the 2015 crisis in Burkina Faso.

Even before he brockered the peace many, administrative, diplomatic and other prominent personalities consulted with him regularly.

Friday, 1st March 2019,
the newly appointed Prime Minister, Joseph Christophe Dabire got his turn, asking for blessing from the
“monarch”.

The Lady ambassador of Chadalso and a huge delegation from FESPACO were also present and met with the Mogho.

The Mogho Palace, a reflection of the secracy of the true African culture

The Mogho palace has all that catches the eyes reflecting the rich cultural heritage of a people.

Traditional artefacts, statutes traditional Mossi architecture even more, royal palace attendants who fit well in their role.

In the Palace of Mogho Naba, no photo shots are allowed except on special occasions but definitely not in all areas of the Palace.

Sign posts with specific warnings are visible everywhere in the large courtyard while guards are stationed to reinforce the rules.

Mogho Naba Baongo: The traditional ruler in modern times

Mogho Naba Bsongo 11 of Ouagadougou is one of the five chiefs of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso. His authority stretches throughout the Kadiogo province with Ouagadougou as capital. He took over the throne in 1983 from his late father, Naba Kougri.

He was a university Lecturer and presently a writer.

Mogho Naba Baongo shows
great respect for women and defends their course.

He told visitors that decision making starts and ends with women.

” Before making any decision, I must seek the consent of the queen mother ” he said.

Prisilia Lum

Elvis Teke

Journalist, Online Reporter, News Presenter, Programme Anchor, Peace Advocate, Geo-strategist,

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